The Napoleon Grills Prestige 500 is a stainless steel gas barbecue designed for durability and performance. It features multiple burners, a substantial cooking area exceeding 900 square inches, and various features intended to enhance the grilling experience. This article details the specifications, operational guidelines, and maintenance procedures for the Prestige 500, based on available documentation.
Overview of the Prestige 500
The Napoleon Grills Prestige 500 is categorized as a barbecue and is manufactured by Napoleon. Documentation indicates the grill is constructed from stainless steel. It includes four main burners, a rear rotisserie burner, and an infrared side burner, offering versatile cooking options. The grill incorporates a double-walled lid designed for heat retention and a built-in temperature gauge for monitoring cooking temperatures. Stainless steel sear plates are included to distribute heat evenly and minimize flare-ups. The Jetfire ignition system is designed for reliable startup. Additional features include illuminated control knobs, a storage cabinet, and an integrated ice bucket.
Operational Guidelines
The Prestige 500 offers several cooking methods. For extended cooking times, such as roasting, indirect cooking is recommended, utilizing the burner opposite the food placement. Closing the lid during cooking is advised to maintain higher, more consistent temperatures and reduce cooking time. The documentation references the “All Season Grill cookbook by Napoleon” for more detailed cooking instructions, particularly for lean meats.
Ignition Procedure
When lighting the main burner, the control knob should be turned to the 'off' position for five minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate before attempting ignition. The process should then be repeated, turning the control knob to the 'high' position and pressing the igniter button. If the burner does not ignite immediately, the burner control should be turned off, a five-minute wait should be observed, and the process repeated. Alternatively, a match can be used with the supplied lighting rod, held through the grill and sear plate while turning the burner valve to high. The documentation explicitly states that the rear burner should not be used simultaneously with the main burner.
Rotisserie Operation
The rotisserie function requires removing the motor from the gas grill. The spit with the food is placed across the hangers inside the grill, with the heavier side positioned downwards. The counterbalance arm and weight are then tightened, ensuring the arm faces upwards. The counterweight is adjusted to balance the load and secured. The motor is re-installed, and cooking can commence. A metal dish should be placed underneath the meat to collect drippings for basting. The rear burner should initially be operated on high to brown the food before reducing the heat for thorough cooking. The lid should remain closed for optimal results. A 3-pound chicken, for example, is estimated to require approximately 1.5 hours on medium to high heat. Detailed instructions are available in the “Your all Season Grill” cookbook by Napoleon. After use, rotisserie components should be disassembled, washed with warm soapy water, and stored indoors.
Infrared Side Burner Usage
The infrared side burner should be positioned to avoid wind, as wind can negatively affect its performance.
Troubleshooting
The documentation provides guidance for addressing specific operational issues. If the pilot and burner fail to ignite within five seconds, the control knob should be turned off and allowed to sit for five minutes. The process should then be repeated. For natural gas models, an undersized supply line may be the cause of low heat or a low flame. Preheat the grill with both main burners on high for 10 to 15 minutes to address low heat issues. Excessive flare-ups or uneven heat can be resolved by ensuring the sear plates are correctly installed, with the holes facing forward and the slots on the bottom.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the Prestige 500.
Rust Removal
Rust can be removed by soaking the affected part in vinegar until fully saturated, allowing it to work for 24 hours, and then removing the rust with a wire brush or aluminum foil.
Grill Cleaning
The grill grid can be cleaned by rubbing it with a wad of aluminum foil.
Component Care
Aluminum castings should be cleaned periodically with warm soapy water. While aluminum does not rust, high temperatures and weathering can cause oxidation, appearing as white spots. These areas can be refinished by cleaning, lightly sanding with fine sandpaper, wiping to remove residue, and painting with high-temperature barbecue paint, protecting surrounding areas from overspray and following the paint manufacturer’s curing instructions.
Hose Inspection
The hose should be regularly inspected for abrasions, melting, cuts, and cracks. If any of these conditions are present, the grill should not be used, and the hose should be replaced by a qualified gas installer or Napoleon dealer.
Preventing Flare-Ups and Sticking
To prevent flare-ups when cooking lean meats, the grill grids should be oiled before preheating. Trimming fat from the meat or reducing cooking temperatures can also inhibit flare-ups. If a flare-up occurs, the food should be moved away from the flames, and the heat reduced while leaving the lid open. To prevent meat from sticking, the grill grid should be greased with oil before use.
Safety Considerations
Barbecue sauce and salt are corrosive and can accelerate the deterioration of grill components if not cleaned regularly. The documentation emphasizes the importance of regular cleaning to maintain the grill’s integrity.
Available Documentation
Multiple manuals are available for the Napoleon Prestige 500, including user manuals, assembly manuals, and owner’s manuals, available for online viewing or download in PDF format. The documentation is available in English. Manuals range in size from 22 to 129 pages.
Conclusion
The Napoleon Grills Prestige 500 is a feature-rich gas barbecue designed for durability and versatile cooking. Proper operation, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines, as outlined in the available documentation, are essential for maximizing the grill’s performance and lifespan. The grill’s features, including multiple burners, a rotisserie function, and an infrared side burner, provide a range of cooking options for various culinary needs.